Remote control system



July 26, 1932. CRAGO 1,869,185

REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM Filed June 23, 1950 Inventor-*1 Harry FLO Page,

y MW His Attorney.

Patented July 26, 1932 UNITED STATES HARRY R. onneo, oF'scHEnEorAnY, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR 'IO GENERAL COMPANY, A oonronnrron OENEVJ YORK 1 ELECTRIC Application filed June 23,

My invention relates to remote control systems and more particularly to the transmitting circuits thereof.

It has for one of its objects to provide a 5 novel switching arrangement whereby control currents may be supplied to a plurality of circuits over which control operations are efl'ected in succession each connection being made for a time interval predetermined in accordance with the operation to be produced at the remote point. r

More particularly my invention has for its purpose to provide a transmitting system which is particularly adapted for the transmission of carrier frequency control current over the different lines, or different phases of a single line, of a power distribution'system to control receivers of. the time selective type which may be associated with said different.

lines or phases. One'receiver of a type in connection with which my invention is particularly adapted to operate is shown in copending application of J L. Woodworth, Serial No. 443,909, filed April 12, 1930, now Patent No. 1,816,755, issued July 28, 1931, and entitled Selective control systems, and which is assigned to the same assignee as my present application.

Thus, for example, in connection with carrier current street light control systems, a number of different lamps, or units, of the system may be supplied with energy from the secondary windings of the single phase distribution transformers, the primaries of 35 which are connected with the different phases of a high voltage polyphase circuit. The carrier current receivers for controlling the lamps are preferably connected to these secondary circuits. Accordingly, to operate all of these receivers, it is necessary that the carrier control current be supplied to all of the phases of the power system either simultaneously or in succession. In accordance with the system to be described they are supplied in succession to each of the different phases .of the power system for a time interval dependent upon whether the lights are to be turned on or off.

Frequently, there are different classes of devices such, for example, as street lamps and 1930. Serial No. 463,199.

water heaters which are associated with the power system over which carrier currents are transmitted,each class of which it is desired 7 to control selectively, as to energize or de-' energize, without afiecting the devices of the other class.

vide a system in which the same'timingdevices for determining the different time inter- In accordance with my invention this may be efliected by using a diiferent vals involved may be employed in connection with both classes of devices.

The novel features whichI believe to be characteristic of myinvention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. -My invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingrdescription taken in connection with theaccompanying drawing, in

which the single figure represents an embodiment of my invention.

Referring to the drawing, I have shown therein a plurality of conductors 1, 2 and 3 each of which may be regarded as extending either directly or through a coupling con denser to one phase of a high voltage power distribution system of which theneutral conductor is represented by conductor 4 of the drawing. High frequency carrier currents may be supplied between the neutral conductor 4: and each ofthe phase conductors 1, 2 and 3 through a high frequency circuit which I have represented by heavy lines at the upper portion of the drawing. This circuit comprises the armature-of a two frequency alternating current generator 5 which is arranged to be connected by means of relays 6 and 7 to the primary winding of a: transformerS. The secondary winding of this transformer is arranged to be connected by means of relays 9 and 10in series circuit denser 12 to the corresponding phase.

At the lower portion of the drawing I have shown a plurality of control devices 16, 17, 18 and 19 which are indicated as push buttons in response to operation of which the various operations are brought about. devices may of course, comprise the contacts These of remotely controlled relays, if desired. Thus in response to operation of any of the control devices 16, 17, 18 or 19, each of the switches 13, 14 and 15 is operated to its closed position for a predetermined time interval, these switches beingoperated' in succession and for an interval dependent upon the control device operated and determined in accordance with the remote operation which is p to be effected. 'At the center of the drawing I have shown a pair of timing devices A and B whereby the different time intervals are determined, each of these devices being provided with a plurality of contacts which are arranged to'control the circuits of the switches 13, 14 and 15.

Thus for example if we assume th'at'the system is to be used for the control of different classes of devices such as street lamps and water heaters, we may assume that the control devices 16 and 17 are employed to control the street lamps, and 18 and 19 to control the water. heaters. Each of these devices controls the energizationof a suitable master relay 20, 21, 22, 23, which is associated therewith, and which, in turn, controls the operation of a corresponding group of relays 7, 24, 25 and 9; or 6, 26, 27 and 10 these groups corresponding to the class of remote devices to be operated. Thus the relays 7, 24, 25 and 9 are operated in response to operation of either master relays 20 or 21 and serve to initiate the operation of generator to connect it to produce alternating current having the frequency corresponding to the class of remote devices which is to be operated. Similarly, relays 6, 26, 27 and are operated in response to either master relay 22 or 23 and serve to initiate the operation of the generator and to connect it to transmit the frequency corresponding to the other class of devices which is to be operated. These frequencies may forexample,

be in the order of 480 and 720 cycles per second. Operation of either of relays 6 and 7 then causes the operation of timing relay 28 WhlCh in turn energizes the corresponding timing device A or B, these devices serving to operate the different switches 13, 14 and in succession and for the proper time interval.

'Having thus generally indicated the nature of the equipment embodying my invention, its more detailed operation may now be described. Let us assume that the operator desires to turn the street lamps on. .He will operate push button 16 thereby energizing master relay through a circuit which extends from the negative side of the source of potential through push button 16, winding of master relay 20, lower contacts on master relay 21 thence through the contacts h and h of timing devices A and B'resped tively to the positive side of the source of potential. Relay 20 is then energized and completes an obvious holding circuit for itself through its upper contacts which short circuit push button 16. This relay then establishes a circuit which extends from the negative side of the source of potential through contacts 29 on master relay 20 and winding of relay 7 to the positive side of.

the source of potential. Relay 7 is thus energized and by means of its left hand contacts'connects the generator 5 to the entire primary winding of transformer 8.' By

means of its middle contacts it energizes L through obvious circuits each of relays 24, and 9. Relay 24 causes energization' of one of the windings of a two speed motor 30, from a suitable source 31 thereby-causing this motor to drive the generator '5 at a speed such that the generator produces thefrequency which is employed for control of the street lamps. Relay 25' serves to energize the field winding of the generator 5 from a suitable source of direct current potential" 31 through variable rheostats 32 and 32. Relay 9 connectsthe secondary winding of transformer 8 in series with a portion of inductance 11 andthe condenser 12 thereby to tune the output circuit to the desired frequency. V

'Relay 7 alsoserves through its right hand contacts to complete an obvious circuit for relay 28. Relay 28 is of a slow'acting type h and requires sufiicient time to close its con-* tacts to permit the motor and generator 5 to attain the normal operating speed. When this occurs the contacts of relay 28 close thereby completing a circuit extending from the negative side of the source of potential through the contacts of relay 28, contacts 33 on master relay 20 and winding of timing device A tothe positive side of the source of potential. 7

It may be stated here that had control device 17 been operated, the operation would have been'the same as that described with the exception that master relay 21 would have been operated thereby completing a holding circuit foritself and causing in turn the operation of timing device B in response to operation of relay 28, instead of timing device A. Y

Timing devices A and B may be of any suitable type whereby a plurality of circuits may be closed and interrupted, each for a definite predetermined interval.

A and B which are illustrated, in the draw- 7 The devices ing are shown for purposes of convenience in illustration of one means which may be employed for the purpose, a preferred arrangement being that shown in copending application of R. W. Golf, Serial No. 369,324, filed June'8, 1929, entitled Electric switch, and which is assigned to the, same assignee as my present application.

As shown in the drawingeach of these devices comprises a magnet comprising an armature 34, having arranged loosely thereon aplurality of members 35, 36, 37 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42, these members being'arranged to cooperate with associated stationary contacts a, b, 0, d, e, f, g and h,frespectively, there-, by to complete the desired circuits tor the intervals correspondingto which the device is adjusted. Thus, for example, contact members and 36; 37 and 38; and 39 and 40;

are arranged in pairs to form with their sta tionary contacts a series circuit. Contact members 41 and 42 form a similar pair but for purposes which will later appear do not form a series circuit. The upper member 35.

37, 39 and 41 of each pair, is normally disengaged from the associated stationary cone tacts and the lower member 36,38, 40 and 42 of each pair are arrangednormally to.

engage their associated stationary contacts. The upper members 35, 37, 39 and 41 are resiliently supported by members 35, 37, 39 and 41 respectively and are spaced at successively greater distances from their asscciated stationary contacts such that as the armature 34 moves upward against the effort of a suitable retarding mechanism such as an escapement 34, the series circuits are closed successively. The lower members 36, 38, 40 and 42 are arranged to be raised out from engagement with their stationary contacts after'predetermined movement of the armature by members 36, 38, 40 and 42 respectively fixed upon the armature, these members being adapted to engagethe associated contactmembers 36, 38, 40 and 42 in succession, each disengagement of a lower member of any pair from its stationary contacts being made after a timeinterval following the engagement of the upper member of the pair with its associated contacts. In this way the following operations occur. First contacts a are closed by member 35 and then after a certain interval contacts 5 are opened by member 36. Contacts 0 are thenclosed and after substantially the same interval contacts e are opened. Contacts 6 are then closed after which contacts f are opened. Contacts 7 closing circuit.

g are then closed and contacts it opened. These contacts are arranged in circuit relation with the operating magnets of the switches 13, 14 and 15 thereby to cause these switches each to be closed for a predetermined interval, the difierent changes being operated in succession.

Thus when contacts a are closed, a circuit is completed extending from the positive side of the source of potential through contacts I) and a in series, conductor 46, interlock 43 on switch 15, in its lower position, interlock 44 on switch13, in its lower position, interlock 45 on switch 14 in its lower position, and close ing coil of said switch 14 to the negative side lock 45 and accordingly the subsequent open-- Contacts 0 on ing of contacts Z) has no effect. timing device A thencomplete a circuit which extends from the positive side of the positive sourceiof potential through contacts d and 0 in series, conductor 46 and interlock 45 of switch 14in its upper positionand trip coil 47. Trip coil 47 then causes the switch 14 to be actuated toits open position. After switch 14 is opened a circuit is completed extending through interlock 48 on switch 15, interlock 49 on switch 14, interlock 50 on switch 13 and closing coil of switch 13. Switch'13 is then closed and held by its latching mechanism at the same time, by means of its interlock 50, opening itsown closing circuit-whereby the subsequent opening ofthis circuit by contacts d of device A has no effect. The closing of contacts 0 then completes a circuit extending fromthe positive side of the source of potential through contacts 7 and e inserie's, conductor51, interlock 50 on switch 13 in its upper position and trip coil 52 of the switch '13. opening its own trip circuit. The operation of the switch 13 to its open position causes the circuit to be completed through its interlock 53, interlock 54 on switch 14, interlock 55 on switch 15 and closing coil of the switch 15. This circuit in turn causes the switch 15 to be operated to its closed position thereby by means of'its interlock 55 interrupting its own Thus opening of contacts 7 has no efl'ect. Contacts g'on the switch A then complete a circuit extending from the positive side of the source of potential through conductor 56, interlock 55 of the switch 15 in its upper position and the trip coil57 of the switch 15 to the negative side of the source of potential. Switch 15 is then operated to its open position thereby opening its own opening circuit.

Switch 13 is thus opened thereby Y Thus all of the switches 13,14 and are operated to their closed position for a time interval determined by the timing device A and in succession, thereby supplying high fre- I quency currents to each of the ditierent phases or the dii'i'crent circuitsot the power distribution system in succession. The circuits are so interlocked as already explained as to prevent more than one of the switches from being closed atone time. The opening of contacts h on the timing device A then interrupts the holding circuit for master relay 20, there by causing a deenergization of relay and a consequent deenergization of relays 7, 2e, and 9, which in turn deene-rgize the motor and disconnect the generator 5 from its load circuit. The equipment is now returned to its initial position.

As previously stated, had. the push button 0 17 been operated, the timing device Bwould' have been energized thereby causing the switches 13, 14 and 15 to be closed in succession, these switches being closed. for a different time interval. The devices A and B are of similar construction and their contacts are connected in the circuits in the same way. Thus in response to the operation of the push buttons 16, 17 the remote street lamps may be turned on or off dependent upon the interval for whichthe various circuits are energized.

Let us assume now that it is desired to energize anotherclass of devices such as the water heaters which are associated with the power system. This may be effected by operation of the control device 18,'thereby similarly causing operation of master relay 22. WVere it desired to deenergize the water heaters, control device 19 would be operated, thereby causing energization of master relay 23. Both ofthese relays operate through their upper armature and its lower contacts to complete a circuit for relay 6. Relay 6 operates through its right hand contacts to connect the generator 5 across a portion of primary winding of the transformer ti. By means of its middle contactsthis relay completes an obvious circuit for each of relays 26, 27 and 10. Relay 26 establishes an energizing circuit for the low speed winding of the two speed motor 30, thereby causing the generator 5 to be operated at a speed corresponding to the lower frequency or the frequency which is utilized for the control of the water heaters.

erates at a lower speed, the voltage generated thereby, is likely 'to be less than in the former case. Accordingly, this voltage is applied across only a portion of the primary winding of the transformer 8, thereby to cause the proper voltage to occur across the secondary winding. Contactsot relay 27 establisha field energizing circuit for generator 5 through rheostat 32. Relay 10 connects the inductance 11 in series with the condenser 12 vandthe secondary winding of transformer 8,

thereby to tune the circuit to the lower frequency. The right hand contacts of relay 6 bring about the energization of the time delay relay 28 which in turn as before causes the energization of the timing devices A and B dependent uponwhich'of the master relays 22 and 28 is energized, this circuit extending from the negative side of the source of potentialthrough contacts of relay 28 and either contacts 58 of relay 22 or 59 of relay 2.3 to the magnet of the corresponding timing device. Thus if we assume that relay 22 is operated, the circuit extends through the magnet of timing device A: This device then serves as before to operate the various switches for the desired interval insuccession and then to return all of the equipment to its initial position.

Vith' reference to the two winding motor 30, it will of course be understood thatany suitable means not shown maybe employed for avoiding the effects of transformer action made both inthe circuit arrangement and in the instrumentalities employed, and I therefore contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

. What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. In a remote control system, the combination of a source of control electromotive force, a plurality of circuits, a plurality of switches one of said switches being associated with each of said circuits and arranged to connect said source of electromotive force thereto and a control device for operating said switches in succession, said control device comprising means for operating each of said switches to the closed position in succession for a predetermined time interval and means for operating each of "said switches tothe closed position in succession for a different time interval. Since the generator op- 2. In a remote control system, a source of control electromotlve force, a plurality of circuits, a plurality of switches, each of said opening coil, timing means for controlling the energization of said closing and opening coils, thereby to cause each of said switches to be closed for a predetermined interval of time in succession, and timing means for causing each of said switches to be closed for a different interval of time in succession.

3. In a remote control'system, a source of control electromotive force of variable frequency, a plurality of circuits, a plurality of control devices, means responsive to operation of certain of said control devices to cause said source to produce a certain frequency and to other of said control devices to cause said source to produce a different frequency, and means responsive to operation of any of said control devices after said source is connected to produce the corresponding frequency automatically to connect said source to each of said circuits in succession for a predetermined interval of time, said interval of time having a duration dependent upon the control device operated.

4:. The combination, in a remote control system, a source of electromotive force of variable frequency, a plurality of circuits, a plurality of pairs of control devices, means responsive to either control device of each pair to cause said source to produce a certain frequency, the frequencies produced in response to operation of control devices included in different pairs being different, a pair of timing devices and means including one of said timing devices responsive to operation of one control device of each pair to connect said source to each of said circuits for a predetermined time interval in succession and means including the other of said timing devices responsive to operation of the other control devicevof each pair to connect said source to each of said circuits in succession for a different time interval.

5. The combination, in a remote control system, of a circuit, a generator arranged to producea plurality of frequencies, a plurality of control devices, means responsive to certain of said control devices to connect said generator to produce a certain frequency, and to other of said control devices to connect said generator to produce a different frequency, a pair of timing devices, means including one of said timing devices to connect said generator to said circuit for a predetermined time interval and including the other timing device to connect said generator to said circuit for a different time interval, and timing means responsive to operation of said first mentioned connecting means to energize one or the other of said pairs of timing devices dependent upon the control device operated.

6. The combination, in a, remote control I frequency, a pair of timing devices, means including one of said timing devices to connect said generator to said circuit'for a predetermined time interval and including the other timing device to connect said generator to said circuit for a different time interval, and means for automatically tuning said output circuit in accordance with the frequency produced by said generator.

7. In a remote control system, the combination of a source of control electromotive force, a plurality of circuits, a plurality of switches one of said switches being associated with each of said circuits and arranged to connect said source of electromotive force thereto, means for operating each of said switches to the closed position in succession for a predetermined time interval, means for operating each of said switches to the closed position in succession for a difierent time interval, and means for selectively controlling said last two means thereby to operate said switches in succession for either of said time intervals.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, this 20th day of June, 1930.

HARRY R. CRAGO. 

